Clara's Punishment. 31

 "No, my love, I dare say not; but then I
wish you to remember for the future, that
another time you may think before you act.
I am glad Edith, though so much younger,
endeavoured to dissuade you from your pur-
pose; but she, too, would have done better if
she had come at once to me and told me of
your scheme. You are much too headstrong
and heedless, Clara."
 I am afraid I shall never be any better,
Miss Campbell," replied Clara, in a woe-
begone, disconsolate voice.
 "Never! that is a very long day; shall I
help you ? As long as you think yourself
incurable, and do not try to conquer your
thoughtlessness, you will not improve; but
once resolve with all your might, and you
will soon be surprised how much can be
effected in a short time."
 "But I have tried again and again, and
it's no use; oh Miss Campbell, I am so very
unhappy;" and Clara buried her face and
sobbed with renewed violence.
 "My dear child, I cannot see you go on
in this way," said Miss Campbell. "Edith,
love, you may leave us for the present, Clara
shall join you when we have finished our
little talk." Then, as soon as they were